Several shops have been sealed Monday August 3rd 2020 in different markets in Kumba by the city council. The decision, sources say is to punish traders for respecting Monday traditional ghost town imposed by separatist fighters demanding the restoration of the independence of Southern Cameroon.
According to Victor Ngoh Nkelle; City Mayor of the council “we cannot permit the economy of Kumba to be damaged by prolonged respect of ghost towns. People need to carry out their business activities. The security is there to protect the people “
To traders respecting the ghost town, government has no serious policy of ensuring the safety of traders and their families when the fighters come hunting on them for defying their orders to stay home every monday. ” look at the city mayor. He is heavily guarded by military men as he move around Kumba Main market sealing shops. Why can’t he move alone? This is because he too is afraid to risk his life on a day like this. So how do they expect unprotected traders to stand in the market selling on Mondays?”. A trader in anonymity tells Mimi Mefo Info on phone.
The traders argue that even when some people try to sell, they are no buyers as the town is deserted.
The senior divisional officer of Meme division, Chamberlain Ntou Ndong equally joined the city mayor in sealing shops at the Kumba main Market.
It remains unclear what traders will pay as penalty for their shops to be reopen by the council.
Mimi Mefo Info.